How To Remove GuideTable Adware On Mac [Quick Fix]

Adware can be a frustrating and concerning issue for Mac users, especially when it disrupts your browsing experience and compromises your privacy.

GuideTable, a member of the AdLoad family of adware, is a common culprit in such scenarios.

This guide will walk you through understanding, identifying, and completely removing GuideTable adware.

What is GuideTable adware?

GuideTable is a type of adware, which stands for “advertising-supported software.”

Specifically, it belongs to the AdLoad family, an infamous group of Mac adware clones. GuideTable is often categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) because it is designed to infiltrate your Mac without explicit consent, often through deceptive means.

Once installed, it generates intrusive ads, pop-ups, and banners that can disrupt your browsing experience.

How does GuideTable spread?

Adware like GuideTable typically infiltrates systems through:

• Rogue advertisements: These ads may appear on untrustworthy websites, enticing users to click on them with promises of free downloads, updates, or offers.
• Misleading pages abusing push notifications: You might encounter pop-ups that prompt you to allow notifications, which then flood your system with unwanted ads.
• Bundled software: GuideTable often comes packaged with free software downloads, hidden in installation processes.
• Fake updates: Alerts claiming your browser or system needs an update may lead you to download adware instead.

Why is adware a serious problem?

Adware like GuideTable poses several risks beyond mere annoyance:

• It may track your browsing habits, collecting sensitive data like search queries, visited websites, and even IP addresses.
• Adware consumes system resources, leading to decreased performance.
• The ads and redirects generated by GuideTable can lead to phishing pages, scam sites, or malicious downloads.

How to remove GuideTable adware on Mac

Completely removing GuideTable adware requires a systematic approach to ensure all components are eradicated. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Remove GuideTable from Applications

1. Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
2. Look for any suspicious apps, including one named GuideTable.
3. Right-click the app and select Move to Trash.
4. Empty the Trash to permanently delete the application.

Step 2: Remove leftover files in system directories

1. Open Finder and click on Go > Go to Folder.
2. Input these directory paths in the window that comes up one by one and check for suspicious files:
   • /Library/LaunchAgents/
   • /Library/Application Support/
   • /Library/LaunchDaemons/
   • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
   • ~/Library/Application Support/
3. Delete any files associated with GuideTable or other unknown entries.
4. Empty the Trash.

Step 3: Remove unwanted login items

1. Open System Settings.
2. Navigate to General > Login Items & Extensions.
3. Identify and remove any unfamiliar login items by clicking the minus button.

Step 4: Use SpyHunter for complete GuideTable removal

SpyHunter is a reliable anti-malware tool that can help detect and remove GuideTable and other threats.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Download the app hereDownload the app here and install it by following the on-screen prompts.
2. Launch SpyHunter from the dock and perform a full malware scan of your system.
3. Examine the results window when it comes up and make sure all threats are selected for cleanup.

4. Proceed with the removal process and enjoy a safer Mac.

Safety precautions to avoid adware

To prevent adware like GuideTable from infiltrating your Mac in the future, follow these tips:

• Avoid third-party download sites or unofficial links.
• Only allow notifications from websites you trust.
• When installing free software, always choose the Custom or Advanced option to uncheck unwanted add-ons.
• Keep SpyHunter installed for proactive protection and regular scans.